Gangs of London Season 2 Episode 6 Review: Episode 6

Gangs of London Season 2 Episode 6 is an edge-of-your-seat cinematic thrill ride bolstered by a brutal, unflinching performance from Narges Rashidi. 

“Episode 6” probably features the least amount of action in a Gangs of London episode, but once the narrative crescendos to a fever pitch, the white-knuckled fight sequences kick into high gear. Rashidi gives it her all in a way we seldom see onscreen. There’s a visceral ruthlessness to her performance. It’s as immersive as the sleek camerawork. We feel everything Lale feels as she fights for her life. 

ASIF: I will not work with the man who helped kill my son. 

Rashidi pulls no punches in her physical work (no pun intended) as in her emotional work. It’s remarkably mesmerizing. She yanks you into her scenes and doesn’t let go. “Episode 6” sheds more light on her character and who she is. Sure, Lale’s done her fair share of murdering, but when you realize she doesn’t want power for the sake of it, it’s easier to root for her. Her indomitable spirit is in full form here. 

In addition to Rashidi’s piss-and-vinegar performance, players like Asif Raza Mir and Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù dole out brilliant work. Mir delivers a gritty, dark, vicious turn as Asif Afridi, who tries to claw his way to victory over Lale. While Asif’s motives are less selfless than Lale’s, his need to exact vengeance against Lale for murdering his son is understandable.

Ultimately, part of what makes his fight with Lale so compelling is their no-holds-barred approaches to it. We’re seeing survival at its most primal and raw. The stakes have never been higher. It’s fun watching how far both parties push themselves to survive.

MARIAN: You understand what it took to build this city, and you know the pain of losing it. We can have it back, Ed. 

Dìrísù was an acting highlight in last week’s outing; however, he outdoes that performance in “Episode 6.” Elliot’s breakdown regarding his father’s murder, like Lale’s fight for survival, is so viscerally felt. It’s a punch to the gut. Dìrísù’s performance never feels like it’s over the top. He reacts as most folks do upon learning someone they love is gone. Sprinkle in the immense guilt he feels for leaving a vulnerable Charlie at the airport, and his all-out expression of grief rings painfully true. 

Another vital cog in the episode’s machine is the various machinations unfurling among the city’s factions, namely Sean and Koba’s plan to overtake London and Marian’s scheme to topple her son with Ed Dumani at her side. Of course, Sean’s decision to sacrifice Lale to hold onto his throne is a contested one. “Episode 6” sets us up for the final two outings regarding these plots. We’re undoubtedly in for familial drama and infighting aplenty. 

The women steal the show this go-round (as they should). While Lale’s badassery definitively takes the crown as the episodic highlight, Marian and Shannon make crucial moves from the sidelines. Marian will go against her child to ensure he doesn’t rule London with Koba. Even Shannon, who once viewed Sean as a brother, hopes to kill him and enlists Elliot’s aid in bringing that to fruition. 

SHANNON: I’ve been working with Marian, Elliot. So, if you want to kill them, let me help you do it. 

The figurative gloves are off for the women in Gangs of London, and we’re all the better for their collectively dominating presence. “Episode 6” aptly sets the stage for Lale’s incredible battle, with sweeping, cinematic shots, sights and sounds engaging the senses, and impressive fight choreography that takes us over the ultraviolent edge. It’s gory and relentless. It’s Gangs of London.

Stray Observations: 

• I can’t wait to watch the Targaryens of London violently implode when Sean finds out his mother is actively endeavoring to dethrone him. 
• Lale most certainly won’t forgive Sean for his latest transgression. She fights tooth and nail to escape Asif, only for her beau to hand her back to the enemy? No, thank you. 
• I hope everyone leaves that poor baby puppy alone. I was worried he’d get inadvertently caught up in all the stabbing. 
• I need Lale, Shannon, and Marian to get things on the right track again. They should usurp Sean and Koba. This is the only way London can heal. 
• Did anyone else find themselves suppressing a giggle when Sean claimed it wasn’t about “his f*cking dick”? I love this episode, but that line is a tad corny. I feel the scene would’ve had the same impact without it. 

What did you think of this episode of Gangs of London? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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Gangs of London streams new episodes every Thursday on AMC+.

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